Symbiosis: Art and Nature exhibit by Kate Norris to open May 30
Peninsula Gallery in Lewes will host Symbiosis: Art and Nature, an exhibit by Kate Norris, from Saturday, May 30 to Wednesday, June 24.
In this upcoming exhibition, Peninsula Gallery introduces a new artist whose unconventional medium is sure to stir up excitement. Norris, a mixed-media collage artist from Baltimore, works primarily with wallpaper to create spectacular images of flora and fauna.
One compelling aspect of Norris’ work is her use of vintage wallpaper adorned with 16th-19th century scientific and naturalist illustrations. She uses these images as jumping-off points for the subjects of her own work, creating labyrinthine layers of symbolism.
Norris said, “The scientific illustrations are a challenge to myself. Can I represent this image using pieces of wallpaper?”
Her process begins with a loose under-drawing on canvas. While this step is integral in composing the layout, she often follows her artistic intuition and strays from the drawing as she applies paper. She starts her collages with stockpiles of pre-ripped materials. Nearer the final stages, she rips as she goes, getting more strategic and giving specific attention to color and value, as well as the images within the wallpaper print. This intricate process of finding art within the art gives the viewer an endless journey through each creation.
While much of Norris’s inspiration evolves from her materials, her cognitive connection to her animal, insect and human subjects is rooted much deeper. This is expressed through the exhibition title, Symbiosis: Art and Nature. Norris said, “Symbiosis is the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both. While not different organisms per se, art and nature are fused in my work. I give homage to the wonders found in nature.”
Among her common subjects are skulls, which take on a hopeful meaning in her collection, through her choice of lively and floral paper designs. She said, “Skulls speak to the life cycle. Though my skulls suggest death, upon close inspection, they reveal an abundance of life within.”
To protect the health of the gallery patrons, there will be no opening reception. If the gallery is closed during these dates due to safety shutdowns, visitors may email gallery owners Carol and Tony Boyd-Heron at peninsulagallery1@gmail.com to view the show by appointment.
To preview the entire show, go to www.peninsula-gallery.com. Works are available for purchase as soon as they are posted to the website. For more information, call 302-645-0551.
Peninsula Gallery is located in the Shops at the Beacon, 520 East Savannah Road, Lewes.
